Recreation Aide (RNB)
pend your summer soaking up the sun, cheering on athletes, and making a real difference in our community - all while getting paid! The City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Aides.
As a track and field helper, you'll be right in the action, ensuring everything runs smoothly at our meets and events. Candidates will assist with equipment setup, taking measurements (in time and/or distance), calculating scores, facility staffing, light maintenance, and event takedown. Candidates should be fun, energetic, flexible, enjoy active community programs and plan to work outdoors.
This position is scheduled to work every Monday, June 15 - August 17, 2026. Other required dates include Saturday, June 27; Sunday, July 26; and Saturday, August 1. Most Monday shifts are 4:30 - 9:00 pm. Additional event hours vary in time and duration depending on the nature of the event. A PAID ninety-minute onboarding session must be attended prior to start date.
This is an on-going recruitment to fill current and future staffing needs throughout the year based on departmental needs. The initial application review will begin on March 16, 2026. This recruitment may be closed at any time.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Recreation Aide assists with recreational activities, programs and events as assigned. Prepares recreational facilities for participant use and monitors recreational activities to ensure a safe environment for participants.
SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION:
Salary information:
This position will start at Step 1 ($19.89/hour). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $19.89 - $25.94. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.
At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life.
Benefit Information:
- Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.
This position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law.
This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Participates in assigned activity, program or event as program attendant, providing necessary service to complete assigned tasks.
- Interacts with participants in a friendly, respectful and efficient manner.
- Takes attendance at assigned events.
- Performs setup and take down of activities, supplies and equipment including tables, chairs and tents.
- Performs basic custodial tasks including litter pick-up and facility cleaning.
- Recreation Aide positions assigned to All Comer's Track events take measurements (in time or distance) and calculate scores.
ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed year round in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor public facilities and environments, including, but not limited to classrooms, stadiums, gyms, parks, trails, swimming areas and public attractions.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including:
- Ability to carry, lift and set up tables and chairs up to 25lbs;
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to lift materials up to 25lbs;
- Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate in classroom or recreational environment;
- Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions;
- Correctable visual acuity to read a tape measure or stop watch.
Experience and Training
- Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred.
Necessary Special Requirements
Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices below).
Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the department, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Selection Process
**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.
This is a continuous recruitment. Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Parks & Recreation department will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews.
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.
Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.